The Shire of Kojonup is one of the first successful recipients of the State Government’s Watering WA Towns initiative after being awarded $66,000 through the program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA congratulated the Shire and said the project was designed to increase the availability of non-potable water by refurbishing the local Showgrounds Dam and its catchment.
“I commend the Shire on their commitment to reducing their reliance on scheme water and to improving emergency water supplies for fire and stock uses, while maintaining the amenity of the town,” Mr Waldron said.
“I’m really pleased Royalties for Regions is providing this funding on top of a shire contribution of $40,500.”
Mr Waldron said it was essential regional communities had access to adequate water supplies.
“With the risk of bushfires in regional WA an ever present reality it is imperative that towns like Kojonup have reliable water sources in the event of a fire,” Mr Waldron said.
“Projects like this are vitally important as they assisting to protect communities – keeping families, their pets and their houses safe and secure.”
He said the project also involved connecting to existing reticulation pipework and installation of a fast-flow standpipe. The new supply will also be connected by existing pipework to the sporting oval and will supplement the treated wastewater irrigation system used to irrigate the playing surface during summer months when supplies are limited.
“The Shire estimates it will save around 2700kL and $11,000 per year throughout the overall project, which is just fantastic. This is an investment into this great regional community,” he said.
Mr Waldron congratulated the Shire on their forward-thinking initiative and said he looked forward to hearing of other local governments in the region taking advantage of the program.
He also thanked Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA and Water Minister Mia Davies for visiting Kojonup recently and meeting with Shire of Kojonup President Ronnie Fleay and representatives to discuss the project.
This funding builds on previous 2015-16 Community Water Supply Program funding exceeding $112,000 for a standpipe ($12,950) and water distribution infrastructure ($100,000) from the Water Corporation’s Kojonup South Dam.
Developing these non-potable supplies complements the planning work undertaken by the Water Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Water, the shire and community to develop an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan for Kojonup.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said securing locally sustainable water supplies increased the attractiveness of regional communities as great places to live, work in and visit.
“Making water available from alternative sources for community, farming and emergency use continues to contribute to the revitalisation of small rural communities in WA,” Mr Rundle said.
The $30 million Royalties for Regions-funded Watering WA initiative is the State’s single-biggest investment in regional non-drinking water supplies.
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810 or E: peter.rundle@nationalswa.com.
